Psychiatric issues in older cancer patients

The Therapeutic Potential of the Endocannabinoid System in Age-Related Diseases

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) dynamically regulates many aspects of mammalian physiology. ECS has gained substantial interest since growing evidence suggests that it also plays a major role in several pathophysiological conditions due to its ability to modulate various underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, cannabinoids, as components of the cannabinoid system (CS), have proven beneficial effects such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuromodulatory, antioxidative, and cardioprotective effects. In this comprehensive review, we aimed to describe the complex interaction between CS and most common age-related diseases such as neuro-degenerative, oncological, skeletal, and cardiovascular disorders, together with the potential of various cannabinoids to ameliorate the progression of these disorders. Since chronic inflammation is postulated as the pillar of all the above-mentioned medical conditions, we also discuss in this paper the potential of CS to ameliorate aging-associated immune system dysregulation.

Towards a Better Understanding of the Factors Associated with Distress in Elderly Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

This study presents a systematic review of the sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors associated with distress in elderly cancer patients. Relevant studies were identified using four electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and ProQuest. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies exploring factors associated with distress in people over 60 years of age were included and independently assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Assessment Checklists. A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. Research showed that being a woman, being single, divorced or widowed, having low income, having an advanced diagnosis, having functional limitations, having comorbidities, and having little social support were factors consistently associated with emotional distress. Data further showed that the impact of age, cancer type, and cancer treatment on symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in elderly patients is not yet well established. The findings of this review suggest that the emotional distress of elderly cancer patients depends on a myriad of factors that are not exclusive, but coexisting determinants of health. Future research is still needed to better understand risk factors for distress in this patient population, providing the resources for healthcare providers to better meet their needs.

Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Frailty in Older Adults over the Spectrum of Cancer: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

The interplay between different neuropsychiatric conditions, beyond dementia, in the presence of a diagnosis of cancer in older adults may mediate patients' fitness and cancer-related outcomes. Here, we aimed to investigate the presence of depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety, attitude, motivation, and support in older adults receiving a diagnosis of cancer and the dimension of frailty in order to understand the magnitude of the problem.

METHODS

This review provides an update of the state of the art based on references from searches of PubMed between 2000 and June 2021.

RESULTS

The evidence obtained underscored the tight association between frailty and unfavorable clinical outcomes in older adults with cancer. Given the intrinsic correlation of neuropsychiatric disorders with frailty in the realm of cancer survivorship, the evidence showed they might have a correlation with unfavorable clinical outcomes, late-life geriatric syndromes and higher degree of frailty.

CONCLUSIONS

The identification of common vulnerabilities among neuropsychiatric disorders, frailty, and cancer may hold promise to unmask similar shared pathways, potentially intercepting targeted new interventions over the spectrum of cancer with the delivery of better pathways of care for older adults with cancer.

The Difficult Task of Diagnosing Depression in Elderly People with Cancer: A Systematic Review

Background:

Depression is a common psychiatric problem in the elderly and oncology patients. In elderly people with cancer, depression has a peculiar phenomenology. It has a significant impact on the quality of life. Moreover, it is associated with poor adherence to treatments, increased risk of suicide, and mortality. Nevertheless, the topic of depression in elderly people with cancer remains unexplored.

Objective:

The main goal of this article is to review the literature from the past 20 years on the relationships between depression, cancer, and aging.

Methods:

The methods followed the Prisma model for eligibility of studies. The articles in which the keywords “depression”, “cancer”, “ elderly, aging, or geriatric” were present, either in the text or in the abstract, were selected. 8.056 articles, by matching the keywords “depression and elderly and cancer,” were identified. Only 532 papers met the eligibility criteria of search limits and selection process. Out of 532 papers, 467 were considered irrelevant, leaving 65 relevant studies. Out of 65 suitable studies, 39 (60.0%) met our quality criteria and were included.

Results:

The risk factors associated with depression in elderly people with cancer can be divided into 4 groups: 1) tumor-related; 2) anticancer treatment-related; 3) patients-related; 4) number and type of comorbidity. The main obstacles in diagnosing depression in elderly patients with cancer are the overlap of the symptoms of cancer and side effects of treatment with the symptoms of depression but also the different ways of reporting depressive symptoms of elderly people and the different clinical types of depression. There is a lack of data regarding validated scales to assess depression in geriatric patients with cancer. Any mental illness, specifically co-occurring anxiety and depression, increases the risk of diagnosis delay and anticancer treatment adherence. Cancer and the diagnosis of mental disorders prior to cancer diagnosis correlate with an increased risk for suicide. A non-pharmacological therapeutic approach, pharmacological treatment and/or a combination of both can be used to treat elderly patients with cancer, but a detailed analysis of comorbidities and the assessment of polypharmacy is mandatory in order to avoid potential side-effects and interactions between antidepressants and the other drugs taken by the patients.

Conclusion:

Future research should be conducted with the aim of developing a modified and adapted assessment method for the diagnosis and treatment of depression in elderly people with cancer in order to improve their clinical outcomes and quality of life.

Delirium incidence, risk factors, and treatments in older adults receiving chemotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Older adults with cancer are at increased risk of delirium due to age, comorbidities, medications, cognitive impairment, and possibly cancer treatments. However, there is scant information on the risks of delirium with chemotherapy and approaches to prevent or treat it. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize available evidence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We systematically searched peer-reviewed journal articles in English, French, German, and Dutch from five databases from 1990 to May 2019 to identify studies examining delirium in adult patients receiving chemotherapy. We also attempted to identify delirium risk prediction models and prevention or treatment trials. All reviews and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. Summary estimates were derived from random effects models.

RESULTS

A total of 23,389 titles and abstracts were screened, and 1272 full-text articles were reviewed. Nineteen articles reported on delirium using an acceptable diagnostic standard. Sample sizes varied from 7 to 324. The incidence of delirium ranged from 0 to 51% (weighted mean 9%, 95% confidence interval 5-16%). In a sensitivity analysis including 122 studies that used terminology suggestive of delirium but did not meet our inclusion criteria, the weighted incidence of delirium was 10% (95% confidence interval 8-12%). Age was not consistently associated with increased delirium risk. No intervention studies to prevent or treat delirium were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Delirium may occur in 1 in 11 older adults receiving chemotherapy; however, there were substantial limitations in reported studies. This systemic review highlights key gaps in knowledge, particularly regarding risk factors, prevention, and treatments.

Older Adults with Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Occupational and Physical Therapy

OBJECTIVES

The impact of occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) on functional outcomes in older adults with cancer is unknown.

DESIGN

Two-arm single-institution randomized controlled trial of outpatient OT/PT.

SETTING

Comprehensive cancer center with two off-site OT/PT clinics.

PARTICIPANTS

We recruited adults 65 years and older with a recent diagnosis or recurrence of cancer within 5 years, with at least one functional limitation as identified by a geriatric assessment. Participants were randomized to OT/PT or usual care.

INTERVENTION

Rehabilitation consisted of individualized OT and PT that addressed functional activities and strength/endurance needs.

MEASUREMENTS

Primary outcome was functional status as measured by the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living scale. Secondary outcomes were Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Global Mental Health (GMH) and Global Physical Health (GPH), ability to participate in Social Roles (SR), physical function, and activity expectations and self-efficacy (Possibilities for Activity Scale [PActS]).

RESULTS

Among those recruited (N = 63), only 45 patients (71%) were evaluable due to loss of follow-up and/or nonreceipt of intervention. The median age was 74 years; 53% were female, and 91% were white. Overall, 30% patients had hematologic malignancies, 30% breast cancer, and 16% colorectal cancers. A total of 65% were in active treatment; 49% had stage 3 or 4 disease. At follow-up, both OT/PT (P = .02) and usual care (P = .03) groups experienced a decline in functional status. PActS scores between groups (P = .04) was significantly improved in the intervention group. GMH and SR met criteria for minimally important clinical difference favoring the intervention, but not statistical significance. Several barriers were noted in the implementation of the intervention program: recruitment, concerns about cost, distance, scheduling, and limited treatment provided.

CONCLUSION

OT/PT may positively influence activity expectations and self-efficacy. Future research needs to address significant barriers to implementation to increase use of OT/PT services and access to quality care. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:953-960, 2019.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms in elderly cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and influencing factors

BACKGROUND

Depression is one of the most prevalent causes of distress in the geriatric population. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms in elderly cancer patients and to determine the possible associated factors.

METHODS

Cancer patients 65 years or older and on active chemotherapy completed the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale. We examined the relationship of depressive symptoms with age, gender, marital status, educational background, type of cancer, stage of disease, comorbidities, types of treatment for cancer, the duration after diagnosis of cancer, social support, and pain status.

RESULTS

The study included 170 patients with a mean age of 71 years, and 47.1% were women. The prevalence of a high depressive symptom score was 19.4%. Of the patients who had a high depressive symptom score based on the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale, 18.2% had already been diagnosed with depression and used antidepressants. The mean pain score was significantly higher in patients who had a high depressive symptom score compared to others (P = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of depressive symptoms in elderly cancer patients receiving chemotherapy was similar to that in the geriatric population without cancer. It was also consistent with previous studies on elderly cancer population. Pain was found to be a factor related to depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depression may be reduced by pain control. The treatment of depression may both improve the patient's quality of life and enhance their compliance with treatment.

The influence of marital intimacy on urinary and sexual symptom experience among patients with prostate cancer: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the influence of how patients with prostate cancer perceive emotional support from their spouses on their treatment-related symptoms.

AIMS

To explore the influence of marital intimacy on urinary and sexual symptoms.

METHODS

The research participants were 42 men diagnosed with prostate cancer recruited from a convenience sample from a university hospital in South Korea. The Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite, the Korean Marital Intimacy Scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to measure variables of interest.

RESULTS

In the hierarchical multiple regression analysis, higher marital intimacy was associated with more favorable symptom in the urinary domain. In the sexual domain, none of the models were significant, and no influence was found for marital intimacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Marital intimacy, measured as perceived emotional support from spouses, was found to positively influence only the experience of urinary symptoms among South Korean men with prostate cancer.

A research study review of effectiveness of treatments for psychiatric conditions common to end-stage cancer patients: needs assessment for future research and an impassioned plea

BACKGROUND

Rates of psychiatric conditions common to end-stage cancer patients (delirium, depression, anxiety disorders) remain unchanged. However, patient numbers have increased as the population has aged; indeed, cancer is a chief cause of mortality and morbidity in older populations. Effectiveness of psychiatric interventions and research to evaluate, inform, and improve interventions is critical to these patients' care. This article's intent is to report results from a recent review study on the effectiveness of interventions for psychiatric conditions common to end-stage cancer patients; the review study assessed the state of research regarding treatment effectiveness. Unlike previous review studies, this one included non-traditional/alternative therapies and spirituality interventions that have undergone scientific inquiry.

METHODS

A five-phase systematic strategy and a theoretic grounded iterative methodology were used to identify studies for inclusion and to craft an integrated, synthesized, comprehensive, and reasonably current end-product.

RESULTS

Psychiatric medication therapies undoubtedly are the most powerful treatments. Among them, the most effective (i.e., "best practices benchmarks") are: (1) for delirium, typical antipsychotics-though there is no difference between typical vs. atypical and other antipsychotics, except for different side-effect profiles, (2) for depression, if patient life expectancy is ≥4-6 weeks, then a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), and if < 3 weeks, then psychostimulants or ketamine, and these generally are useful anytime in the cancer disease course, and (3) for anxiety disorders, bio-diazepams (BDZs) are most used and most effective. A universal consensus suggests that psychosocial (i.e., talk) therapy and spirituality interventions fortify the therapeutic alliance and psychiatric medication protocols. However, trial studies have had mixed results regarding effectiveness in reducing psychiatric symptoms, even for touted psychotherapies.

CONCLUSIONS

This study's findings prompted a testable linear conceptual model of co-factors and their importance for providing effective psychiatric care for end-stage cancer patients. The complicated and tricky part is negotiating patients' diagnoses while articulating internal intricacies within and between each of the model's co-factors. There is a relative absence of scientifically derived information and need for more large-scale, diverse scientific inquiry. Thus, this article is an impassioned plea for accelerated study and better care for end-stage cancer patients' psychiatric conditions.

Pharmacological and psychosomatic treatments for an elderly patient with severe nausea and vomiting in reaction to postoperative stress

Here we present a case of successful treatment employing a mixed approach including pharmacological and psychosomatic treatments for a 72-year-old woman who experienced severe nausea and vomiting in reaction to postoperative stress from gastric cancer surgery. This case demonstrates that appropriate provision of psychosomatic treatments, including a psychotherapeutic session and autogenic training, enhances the efficacy of pharmacotherapy.

Expert consensus panel guidelines on geriatric assessment in oncology

Despite consensus guidelines on best practice in the care of older patients with cancer, geriatric assessment (GA) has yet to be optimally integrated into the field of oncology in most countries. There is a relative lack of consensus in the published literature as to the best approach to take, and there is a degree of uncertainty as to how integration of geriatric medicine principles might optimally predict patient outcomes. The aim of the current study was to obtain consensus on GA in oncology to inform the implementation of a geriatric oncology programme. A four-round Delphi process was employed. The Delphi method is a structured group facilitation process, using multiple iterations to gain consensus on a given topic. Consensus was reached on the optimal assessment method and interventions required for the commonly employed domains of GA. Other aspects of GA, such as screening methods and age cut-off for assessment, represented a higher degree of disagreement. The expert panel employed in this study clearly identified the criteria that should be included in a clinical geriatric oncology programme. In the absence of evidence-based guidelines, this may prove useful in the care of older cancer patients.

The relationship between age, anxiety, and depression in older adults with cancer

OBJECTIVE

In older men with prostate cancer, aging is associated with reduced anxiety and increased depression. The purpose of this study was to examine the association among age, anxiety, and depression in a cohort of older adults receiving chemotherapy.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of a prospective longitudinal study investigating chemotherapy toxicity in older adults with cancer. Baseline data (pre-chemotherapy) included: age, sociodemographics, tumor and treatment factors, functional status, comorbidities, psychological state (measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and social support. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the relationship between age, anxiety, and depression.

RESULTS

The average age of the 500 patients (56% females) was 73.1. The majority had late stage disease: 22% Stage III and 61% stage IV. Clinically significant depression was reported in 12.6%. Clinically significant anxiety was reported in 20.9%. In univariate analyses, there was no association between anxiety and age, or depression and age. In multivariable analyses, older age (p=0.05) was associated with decreased anxiety, as well as lack of social support (p<0.01) and increased number of comorbidities (p<0.01). In multivariable analysis, depression was associated with lack of social support (p<0.01), increased number of comorbidities (p<0.01), and advanced stage (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports previous research that anxiety decreases with age in older adults with cancer. However, depression remained constant with increasing age. Greater resources and attention to identifying and treating the psychological sequelae of cancer in older adults are warranted.

Anxiety and depression and mortality among cognitively intact nursing home residents with and without a cancer diagnosis: a 5-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Studies are lacking on how anxiety and depression symptoms influence mortality among cognitively intact older people in nursing homes (NHs) with a diagnosis of cancer versus those without cancer.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that anxiety or depression was associated with survival and has greater effects on survival for residents with cancer than for those without cancer.

METHODS

A cohort of 227 cognitively intact (Clinical Dementia Rating scale score ≤0.5) older residents (60 with cancer and 167 without) from 30 NHs were followed from 2004-2005 to 2010. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews. Anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale subscales. Sociodemographic variables and medical diagnoses were obtained from the records.

RESULTS

The overall survival after 5 years was 17% for residents with cancer and 22% for residents without cancer. Depression and comorbidity were associated with significantly worse survival independent of a cancer diagnosis. Residents with cancer and symptoms of anxiety (subscores at least 8) had worse survival than those without anxiety symptoms (P = .02), but this was not found among the noncancer group.

CONCLUSIONS

Independent of a cancer diagnosis, depression symptoms and comorbidity were associated with mortality among cognitive intact NH residents. Having symptoms of anxiety predicted shorter survival among residents with a cancer diagnosis.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Nurses should pay attention to depression symptoms among NH residents with and without a cancer diagnosis. Giving attention to residents with cancer and anxiety symptoms is especially important.

Association between cancer stigma and depression among cancer survivors: a nationwide survey in Korea

OBJECTIVE

Cancer patients are more likely to experience depression than the general population. This study aims to evaluate the possible association between cancer stigma and depression among cancer patients.

METHODS

As a part of the Korean government's program to develop comprehensive supportive care, we conducted a nationwide survey in 2010 at the National Cancer Center and in nine regional cancer centers across Korea. Cancer stigma was assessed by using a set of 12 questions grouped in three domains-impossibility of recovery, stereotypes of cancer patients, and experience of social discrimination. Depression was measured by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

RESULTS

A total of 466 cancer patients were included in the study. Over 30% of the cancer survivors had negative attitudes toward cancer and held stereotypical views of themselves: about 10% of the participants experienced social discrimination due to cancer, and 24.5% reported clinically significant depressive symptoms. Patients who had or experienced cancer stigma were 2.5 times more likely to have depression than patients with positive attitudes.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of highly developed medical science and increased survivorship, cancer survivors had cancer stigmas, and it was significantly associated with depression.

IMPACT

Our findings emphasize the need for medical societies and health professionals to pay more attention to cancer stigma that patients are likely to experience during treatment.

Geriatric depression in advanced cancer patients: the effect of cognitive and physical functioning

AIM

The aims of the current study were to evaluate geriatric depression and its risk factors in advanced cancer patients.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out in a palliative care unit in Greece. Patients completed the Geriatric Depression Scale, the M. D. Anderson Symptoms Instrument (MDASI), the Activities of Daily Living and the Mini-Mental State Examination. Patients were included if they were aged >65 years, if they had cancer, were able to communicate and had agreed to sign informed consent. The final sample consisted of 92 elderly advanced cancer patients.

RESULTS

The prevalence of depression was found to be 67.4%. The univariate comparison between the depressed elderly and non-depressed group showed that patients with metastases were found to be 2.2-fold more likely to suffer from geriatric depression compared with those without metastases (P = 0.074). Patients with moderate or severe cognitive impairment were found to be 3.61-fold more likely to suffer from geriatric depression in comparison with those with normal cognitive function (P = 0.019). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, elderly with cognitive impairment were 3.3-fold more likely to have geriatric depression than those without (adjusted odds ratio = 3.3 [95% CI 0.99-10.74], P = 0.052) and MDASI factor 1 was consistently a significant risk factor for depression in the elderly; when MDASI factor 1 increased by 1 unit, the odds of being classified as depressed increased by 7.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study found that cognitive impairment and symptoms such as enjoyment of life, walking, relationship with people, general activity, sadness and pain (MDASI F1) are strong independent predictors of depression in the elderly.

Depression and barriers to mental health care in older cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature on depression in cancer patients with a particular focus on depression assessment and barriers to mental health treatment in older cancer patients.

DESIGN

We conducted a review of the literature on depression and barriers to mental health treatment in older cancer patients.

RESULTS

Depression is prevalent in cancer patients. However, little is known about prevalence rates of depression in older adults with cancer, assessing depression in older cancer patients and barriers that impede proper mental health treatment in this sample.

CONCLUSION

Improved diagnostic clarity and a better understanding of barriers to mental health treatment can help clarify and facilitate mental health referrals and ultimately improve access to care among older cancer patients in need. Continuing to consider the complexities associated with diagnosing depression in older cancer patients is necessary. Further work may be needed to develop new diagnostic measures for such detection, determine the prevalence of depression among older cancer and ways in which to overcome barriers to mental health care.

Depression and cancer mortality: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The goal of the present study was to analyze associations between depression and mortality of cancer patients and to test whether these associations would vary by study characteristics.

METHOD

Meta-analysis was used for integrating the results of 105 samples derived from 76 prospective studies.

RESULTS

Depression diagnosis and higher levels of depressive symptoms predicted elevated mortality. This was true in studies that assessed depression before cancer diagnosis as well as in studies that assessed depression following cancer diagnosis. Associations between depression and mortality persisted after controlling for confounding medical variables. The depression-mortality association was weaker in studies that had longer intervals between assessments of depression and mortality, in younger samples and in studies that used the Beck Depression Inventory as compared with other depression scales.

CONCLUSIONS

Screening for depression should be routinely conducted in the cancer treatment setting. Referrals to mental health specialists should be considered. Research is needed on whether the treatment of depression could, beyond enhancing quality of life, extend survival of depressed cancer patients.

Psychosocial factors associated with successful transition into HIV case management for those without primary care in an urban area

The purpose of this study was to identify the psychosocial factors which influence transitioning HIV positive clients without primary medical care to a case management agency within 6 weeks by a city brokerage agency. People living with HIV who reported being in a social support group and those who requested assistance with meeting their basic needs were significantly more likely to attend their first case management appointment within 6 weeks (adjusted OR 1.91 95% CI 1.22-2.97 and OR 1.24 95% CI 1.01-1.54, respectively). Individuals requesting medical care or substance abuse treatment were less likely to accomplish transitioning (adjusted OR 0.75 95% CI 0.59-0.95 and adjusted OR 0.70 95% CI 0.53-0.91, respectively). The implications of this study for improving the effectiveness of brokering case management for those with HIV are discussed.

Inadequate pain relief and consequences in oncological elderly patients

Elderly patients with cancer are particularly burdened with pain, which has an impact on physical, psychological and cognitive symptoms, and consequently, on the overall quality of life. Here, the existing literature on pain and its consequences in elderly patients with cancer is reviewed, in order to understand the impact of cancer pain and its related symptoms, and the importance of its correct assessment and management, in the geriatric population. From the literature, it emerges that cancer pain has a complex and multidimensional phenomenology in this population, and it is often underestimated and consequently untreated. Furthermore, elderly cancer patients are at higher risk of suffering from pain. Aetiology of cancer pain in elderly patients is still an emergent issue, and immunological findings on the link between pain, cancer and aging may help enlighten the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying pain in elderly cancer patients. Particularly, immune dysfunction may represent a common pathogenic ground of pain and its more common related symptoms (i.e. depression and cognitive decline) in elderly cancer patients. Appropriate pain relief represents a challenge in oncological research, in order to improve patients' and caregivers' quality of life.

Improving primary care for older adults with cancer and depression

BACKGROUND

Depression is common among older cancer patients, but little is known about the optimal approach to caring for this population. This analysis evaluates the effectiveness of the Improving Mood-Promoting Access to Collaborative Treatment (IMPACT) program, a stepped care management program for depression in primary care patients who had an ICD-9 cancer diagnosis.

METHODS

Two hundred fifteen cancer patients were identified from the 1,801 participants in the parent study. Subjects were 60 years or older with major depression (18%), dysthymic disorder (33%), or both (49%), recruited from 18 primary care clinics belonging to 8 health-care organizations in 5 states. Patients were randomly assigned to the IMPACT intervention (n = 112) or usual care (n = 103). Intervention patients had access for up to 12 months to a depression care manager who was supervised by a psychiatrist and a primary care provider and who offered education, care management, support of antidepressant management, and brief, structured psychosocial interventions including behavioral activation and problem-solving treatment.

RESULTS

At 6 and 12 months, 55% and 39% of intervention patients had a 50% or greater reduction in depressive symptoms (SCL-20) from baseline compared to 34% and 20% of usual care participants (P = 0.003 and P = 0.029). Intervention patients also experienced greater remission rates (P = 0.031), more depression-free days (P < 0.001), less functional impairment (P = 0.011), and greater quality of life (P = 0.039) at 12 months than usual care participants.

CONCLUSIONS

The IMPACT collaborative care program appears to be feasible and effective for depression among older cancer patients in diverse primary care settings.

Cancers: Progress and Challenges in the Elderly

Cancer is a growing concern in the long-term care facility. The most common cancers long-term staff are apt to encounter include breast, lung, bladder, prostate, brain, and colorectal. Each cancer subtype and its treatment options are reviewed; they will vary with patients' level of functioning and tolerability. Since treatment guidelines were developed for younger cohorts, issues and side effects unique to elders require an ongoing alliance with oncology specialists. Screening guidelines and end-of-life issues are discussed.

Cancer survivorship and aging : moving the science forward

Given the high incidence and prevalence of cancer in older adults and the anticipated growth of this population over the next few decades, oncologists, geriatricians, and primary care providers will be challenged to provide timely and appropriate post-treatment care to a diverse population of older cancer survivors. To the authors' knowledge to date, few post-treatment epidemiologic or clinical trial studies have investigated the mental, social, and physical health issues among older cancer survivors. For this article, the authors reviewed the behavioral oncology, gerontology, geriatric, and psychology literature on cancer survivorship and aging. This report highlights several methodologic challenges that investigators face when conducting epidemiologic and cancer clinical trial research with older cancer survivors after treatment. These challenges must be considered and overcome to develop an informative body of scientific knowledge to address the post-treatment healthcare needs of this growing population. Future research directions, new models of care, and the need for transdisciplinary approaches are discussed.

Depression and cancer: an unexplored and unresolved emergent issue in elderly patients

Despite the high prevalence of depressive disorders in cancer patients and elderly people, the topic of depression in elderly cancer patients still remains unexplored. This emerges from a systematic review of the literature conducted to investigate issues of depression, diagnosis, pathogenesis, treatment and their complex neuroimmunobiological interactions. Indeed, it becomes apparent that depression in elderly patients with cancer may have a peculiar phenomenology. In addition, the moderate rate of major depressive disorder and the high rate of minor depressive disorder are accompanied by subthreshold forms of depression that are at risk to be underrecognized and untreated. Immune dysfunction may represent a common pathogenic ground of depression, cancer and aging. This may have important implications for treatment. In the near future, we need to develop validated mood disorder diagnoses and verify antidepressant treatment efficacy for elderly cancer patients with depression in order to improve their clinical outcome and quality of life.

Exercise, aging, and cancer

Cancer is a common disease that affects over 150 000 Canadians every year. About 78% of all cancers are diagnosed in adults aged 60 years and older. Improved survival rates for cancer survivors have brought lifestyle and quality of life issues to the forefront. In other chronic disease populations, exercise is considered a foundational health behavior; however, the benefits of exercise in cancer survivors are only beginning to be described. Moreover, what little is known about exercise in cancer survivors has been derived largely from research on middle-aged survivors. In the present article, we review the literature on exercise, aging, and cancer. Our review shows that very few studies have examined exercise in older cancer survivors or have approached the topic from an aging perspective. The limited research that is available suggests that, compared with middle-aged cancer survivors, older cancer survivors: (i) derive similar benefits from exercise, (ii) have lower exercise participation rates, (iii) have more difficulty adhering to an exercise program, and (iv) have different determinants of exercise motivation and behavior. We end by offering some future research directions that may help generate important new exercise knowledge in this underserved cancer survivor population.

The influence of marital status on stage at diagnosis and survival of older persons with melanoma

BACKGROUND

Melanoma incidence and mortality had a sustained increase in the last 3 decades in the United States, especially among white older men. Little is known about the relationship between marital status and melanoma outcomes in older people. The objective of this study was to determine the association between marital status and stage at diagnosis and survival of older persons with cutaneous melanoma.

METHODS

Data are from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registries-Medicare-linked database (1991-1999). The sample consisted of 14,630 men and women 65 years old and older. The outcomes were melanoma stage at diagnosis and melanoma specific survival. The main independent variable, marital status, was used in four categories: married, single, separated or divorced, and widowed. Other covariates include sociodemographics, stage at diagnosis, tumor characteristics (body site and histology), and comorbidity index. Logistic regression and survival analyses techniques were used.

RESULTS

Multivariate analyses showed that, compared with married persons, widowed persons were more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage (regional or distant) versus early-stage (in situ or localized) melanoma (odds ratio = 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.52). In addition, after controlling for all other variables (sociodemographics, stage at diagnosis, tumor characteristics, and comorbidity), widowed persons were at increased risk of death from melanoma (hazard ratio = 1.23, 95% CI, 1.06-1.44).

CONCLUSION

Older widowed persons were more likely to be diagnosed at late stage and to die from melanoma than were older married persons.

Acute confusion in patients with systemic cancer

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence, the causes and the prognostic value for survival of acute confusion (delirium) in patients admitted to a general cancer hospital.

PATIENTS

Hundred consecutive patients with confusion were examined; 78 had a metastatic disease, 11 had local tumor and 11 had no sign of tumor recurrence at admission. Patients with confusion represented 11.8% (95%CI: 9.7-14.2%) of admissions. Follow-up period lasted 18 months from the inclusion of the last patient.

RESULTS

Structural brain lesions (SBL) were mostly metastatic and caused confusion in 36 patients. 57 patients had a toxic or metabolic encephalopathy (TME). The cause remained unexplained in 6 cases, and in one patient the final diagnosis was psychotic state. Most patients with TME had more than one abnormality which could cause confusion. Confusion was reversible in 34 patients, and the odds for its regression was 3-fold higher in patients with TME (P = 0.02). Survival was significantly shorter (P = 0.02) in patients with SBL (median: 3 weeks) than in patients with TME (median: 8 weeks). However, the survival was significantly longer (P = 0.007) in patients with only one toxic or metabolic disorder (median: 20.5 weeks) than in patients with multiple changes (median: 5 weeks).

CONCLUSION

Confusion is common in general cancer population. TME is the leading etiology and it is due to multiple causes in most patients. SBL causes confusion in one third of the patients. Patients with TME have a greater chance to recover, and survive longer especially if they have only one toxic or metabolic change.

Delirium in Hospitalized Older Patients With Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To examine key aspects of delirium in a sample of hospitalized older patients with cancer.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of data from studies on acute confusion in hospitalized older adults.

SETTING

Tertiary teaching hospital in the southeastern United States.

SAMPLE

76 hospitalized older patients with cancer (mean age = 74.4 years) evenly divided by gender and ethnicity and with multiple cancer diagnoses.

METHODS

Data were collected during three studies of acute confusion in hospitalized older patients. Delirium was measured with the NEECHAM Confusion Scale on admission, daily during hospitalization, and at discharge. Patient characteristics and clinical risk markers were determined at admission.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Prevalent and incident delirium, etiologic risk patterns, and patient characteristics.

FINDINGS

Delirium was noted in 43 (57%) patients; 29 (38%) were delirious on admission. Fourteen of 47 (30%) who were not delirious at admission became delirious during hospitalization. Delirium was present in 30 patients (39%) at discharge. Most delirious patients had evidence of multiple (mean = 2.3) etiologic patterns for delirium.

CONCLUSIONS

Delirium was common in this sample of hospitalized older patients with cancer. Patients with delirium were more severely ill, were more functionally impaired, and exhibited more etiologic patterns than nondelirious patients.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Nurses caring for older patients with cancer should perform systematic and ongoing assessments of cognitive behavioral performance to detect delirium early. The prevention and management of delirium hinge on the identification and treatment of the multiple risk factors and etiologic mechanisms that underlie delirium. The large number of patients discharged while still delirious has significant implications for posthospital care and recovery.

Differences in coping style and locus of control between older and younger patients with head and neck cancer

OBJECTIVES

This prospective study analyses whether older and younger patients with cancer of the head and neck make use of different coping styles and locus of control mechanisms, and how these mechanisms are related to quality of life (QOL) and depressive symptoms.

DESIGN

Before treatment, 78 older (>or=70 years) and 105 younger patients (45-60 years) with carcinoma of the oral cavity, pharynx (stage II-IV), or larynx (stage III-IV) completed questionnaires on QOL (EORTC-QLQ-C30), depression (CES-D), coping (Utrecht Coping List), and locus of control (Cancer Locus of Control Scale). Fifty-one older and 70 younger patients completed the follow-up questionnaires at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Before treatment and at 12 months, the number of depressive symptoms and QOL scores, apart from physical functioning, did not differ between the two groups. Before treatment and at 6 months, younger patients used active coping strategies significantly more often and they perceived more internal control over the cause of their disease. Older patients used religious coping and religious control more frequently at all assessments. In both groups, avoidance coping was associated with more depressive symptoms and a worse QOL.

CONCLUSIONS

Although older and younger patients use different coping and locus of control strategies, this does not give rise to differences in QOL and depressive symptoms after treatment.